College football betting guide: How to bet on every bowl game

Servpro First Responder Bowl (Dec. 26)

Boston College vs. No. 25 Boise State

Can’t trust Boston College after they laid an egg against Florida State so side with Boise State who should be extra motivated after losing the Mountain West Championship Game to Fresno State late last week. Brett Rypien and Alexander Mattison are a great 1-2 combo that should lead the Broncos to a win (and cover).

Bet: Boise St (-3) (Under 55)

Quick Lane Bowl (Dec. 26)

Minnesota vs. Georgia Tech

In what will be Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson’s final game before retirement, it’s hard not to pick the Yellow Jackets in this game. Sure, Minnesota has had weeks to prepare for the option attack, but roll with the sentimental pick and the over.

Bet: Georgia Tech (-4) (Over 61)

Cheez-It Bowl (Dec. 26)

Cal vs. TCU

This game is all about the defense on both sides which is why the total is set so low. But it’s so incredibly low that you should wager on the over. The game is a pick ’em but TCU head coach Gary Patterson is a veteran in these games and that should be the difference.

Bet: TCU (Even -110) (Over 40.5)

Walk-On’s Independence Bowl (Dec. 27)

Temple vs. Duke

Giving the nod to Temple in this game because their offense is better than Duke’s. The Owls averaged a touchdown more per game than the Blue Devils. Duke can counter with an NFL-caliber quarterback, Daniel Jones, so the over is also a smart play.

Bet: Temple (-3) (Over 56.5)

New Era Pinstripe Bowl (Dec. 27)

Miami vs. Wisconsin

In a game of two preseason top 10 teams who finished the season unranked. I like Wisconson’s rushing attack Jonathan Taylor running behind an NFL offensive line. Miami can’t score enough to keep pace with Wisconsin.

Bet: Wisconsin (+3.5) (Under 47)

Academy Sports + Outdoors Texas Bowl (Dec. 27)

Baylor vs. Vanderbilt

Baylor has been one of the bigger surprises this year as head coach Matt Rhule has done a tremendous job rebuilding this program in the wake of the Art Briles scandal. That said, go with Derek Mason’s Commodores in what figures to be a defensive game.

Bet: Vanderbilt (-4.5) (Under 55)

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl (Dec. 28)

Purdue vs. Auburn

I don’t see Auburn losing three straight bowl games, even though they’ve had a disappointing year, they should hold off an upstart Purdue squad. Auburn’s defense does enough to limit David Blough and Rondale Moore to win the game, but the Boilermakers will score enough to hit the over.

Bet: Auburn (-4.5) (Over 54.5)

Camping World Bowl (Dec. 28)

No. 16 West Virginia vs. No. 20 Syracuse

Both teams can put up points with senior quarterbacks leading both offenses. However, the duo of Will Grier and receiver David Sills will be too much for Syracuse. It should be a high-scoring affair as Eric Dungey will keep the Orange in the game before the Mountaineers pull away late int he fourth quarter. I love the over and for the Mountaineers due to get their final collegiate victory before the NFL Draft.

Bet: West Virginia (-7) (Over 74.5)

Valero Alamo Bowl (Dec. 28)

No. 24 Iowa State vs. No. 13 Washington State

Washington State was in line to play in the Rose Bowl before losing to Washington in their season finale so this is a big letdown for them. That emotional letdown could play out into the game against a good Iowa State team. The Cyclones defense could make things difficult for quarterback Gardner Minshew who is coming off his worst game of the season. Look for Iowa State quarterback Brock Purdy to be instrumental in leading the upset.

Bet: Iowa St (+4) (Under 54.5)

Chick-Fil-A Peach Bowl (Dec. 29)

No. 10 Florida vs. No. 7 Michigan

Few may be excited for another bowl game between Florida and Michigan, but if you love defense, this is the game for you. The Wolverines had the best defense in the nation before Ohio State hung 62 on them so it’ll be interesting to see which team shows up. They also won’t have Rashan Gary who is skipping the game after declaring for the NFL Draft. Look for Florida to keep this within one score at worst, and at best, they’ll hand Michigan their third straight bowl loss.

Bet: Florida (+7.5) (Under 51)

Belk Bowl

South Carolina vs. Virginia (Dec. 29)

Virginia losing their last three ACC games in a row was a disappointing end to what had looked like a promising season. They’ll have a tough time reversing momentum against South Carolina and quarterback Jake Bentley who has been one of the more overlooked quarterbacks this year.

Bet: South Carolina (-4) (Over 54.5)

NOVA Home Loans Arizona Bowl (Dec. 29)

Arkansas State vs. Nevada

Both teams have offenses that can put up points in a hurry, so hammer the over. Arkansas State is the slight favorite and I like them to win and cover.

Bet: Arkansas St (-1) (Over 59.5)

Military Bowl Presented by Northrop Grumman (Dec. 31)

Cincinnati vs. Virginia Tech

How lucky are the Hokies to even be playing in a bowl? Well, they had to reschedule a game against Marshall to get in to preserve the nation’s longest active win streak. Cincinnati has been the better team and more consistent team all year so look for that to continue in this game.

Bet: Cincinnati (-6) (Over 53.5)

Hyundai Sun Bowl (Dec. 31)

Stanford vs. Pittsburgh

Stanford has been a disappointment after being ranked as high as No. 7 in September. Pitt, meanwhile, turned their season around after a slow start to play for the ACC Championship. Stanford quarterback K.J. Costello will be the player to watch as the Cardinal try to cover the spread and win outright.

Bet: Stanford (-6.5) (Over 52.5)

Redbox Bowl (Dec. 31)

Michigan State vs. Oregon

Michigan State’s defense can hold Oregon’s offense to the under. Not that Oregon’s defense is elite, rather Michigan State’s offense is abysmal so the under is the safest play. The team that can turn red zone trips into touchdowns and not field goals will get the win. Take the Ducks in a tight one.

Bet: Oregon(-2.5) (Under 48)

AutoZone Liberty Bowl (Dec. 31)

No. 23 Missouri vs. Oklahoma State

Both teams have great quarterbacks leading high-scoring offenses, so the over is a smart bet. Oklahoma State has been up and down this year while Missouri is riding high after winning four straight to close their regular season. The Pokes have played up to their competition this year so take the points.

Bet: Oklahoma St (+8) (Over 71.5)

San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl (Dec. 31)

No. 22 Northwestern vs. No. 17 Utah

This is a trap under game as both of these teams are led by their defense. Taking the under is an easy call in this contest on New Year’s Eve. This should be a close game so taking the points and Northwestern is the call.

Bet: Northwestern (+6.5) (Under 45)

TaxSlayer Gator Bowl (Dec. 31)

NC State vs. No. 19 Texas A&M

This is a nice matchup for Jimbo Fisher to get his first bowl win as the Aggies head coach. Kellen Mond leads the Aggies offense while Ryan Finley counters for NC State. Both teams should be able to score, so take the over, but the Aggies should prevail.

Bet: Texas A&M (-5.5) (Over 58.5)